Winter Garden (by Kristin Hannah)
I finally read my first Kristin Hannah novel! I’ve been wanting to read her books for a long time, since I consistently see praise for her work. I’ve acquired several of her books over the years, but I was finally prompted to read Winter Garden because it is a qualifying book for one of the Goodreads Winter Challenges. I was grateful to find it in my overflowing Audible library.
Meredith and Nina Whitson are estranged sisters with vastly different lives. Meredith stayed home to run the family apple orchard and raise her children, while Nina pursued adventure as a globe-trotting photojournalist. Their distant, cold Russian-born mother, Anya, has always kept them at arm’s length, except for the rare bedtime fairy tale she told them as girls.
When their beloved father falls gravely ill, he makes a dying promise to his wife and daughters: Anya must finally tell the fairy tale all the way to the end. What starts as a simple story becomes a harrowing revelation of Anya’s true past in war-torn Leningrad during World War II. This secret is so devastating that it reshapes the family’s understanding of love, loss, identity, and forgiveness.
Alternating between the present-day Pacific Northwest and the brutal siege of Leningrad, this emotional, character-driven novel explores mother-daughter bonds, sisterhood, grief, and resilience.
I absolutely loved Winter Garden! Kristin’s storytelling talent is incredible. I was immediately drawn into this remarkable story. It’s such a beautiful narrative, even though it’s heartbreaking as it delves deeply into grief and the pain of losing cherished loved ones. Each character is incredibly authentic, and I enjoyed getting to know them as they came to know themselves. I particularly enjoyed reading a book set in the winter season while I’m also experiencing winter. It helped me appreciate both the beauty and harshness of such a season while I’m immersed in it. The ending evoked tears while also conveying hope and the power of rebuilding.
I purchased the audiobook of Winter Garden using my Audible membership. Susan Ericksen’s narration was perfect.
Pictured is a candle my husband gifted me for Christmas from the company, From the Page. They offer a wide variety of book-inspired soy candles. I own two scents: New Book Feeling and Ancient Library. I adore both and will definitely be a repeat customer.
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